Medical Malpractice

Questions about the hospitals...?

ok i might be a little early but i want to know everything i can to prepare myself. i have two hospitals to choose from, im leaning toward one more than the other for personal choices but i wanted to ask experiences labourers some things i should concider when choosing for sure where to deliver. both of the hospitals have a level 3? nicu which i love because that makes me not so nervouse but what else should i consider for a good hospital for not only me but my spouse, i want to tour the hospitals but i want ammo for questions. lol. thanks to all, i know all hospitals are diffrent just give me some things about what you all liked and hated in a hospital so i can evalute better.

Public Comments

1. I wanted a hospital that felt comfortable to me and my husband and any guests that will be waiting on the delivery like our parents. I haven't had the experience yet but I'm choosing my hospital based on everything before and after birth. The rooms are excellent and comfortable. The kitchen menu is also delicious looking.
2. The question I would ask is, "Is your hospital certified as Mother Friendly". If they say no or don't know what you're asking about: run as fast as you can!
3. Take into consideration convenience for your husband to get there and home...he'll be tired too. Also, availablity of private rooms, security - what is their procedure for allowing visitors into the maternity ward - how strict are they in checking the mom's bracelet and matching with the childs EACH time they bring the baby to your room. What are their policies for feeding - do they take the baby to the nursery in between. Lactation specialist - any in house to help you, classes you can attend the day the child is born? Visiting hours for your husband, any restrictions? Parking - some hospitals it is nearly impossible to find parking - sounds ridiculous, but your husband could end up spending half the day looking for a spot (this is very true about a top hospital near us - incredible facility - NO PARKING)
4. Well the hospital im going to has the nursery really close to the rooms which I think is good. They also have monitored wrist bands that the mother and baby get and if someone tries to take the baby out of the building the alarm will sound, also for extra security when you put the two wrist bands together it will blink green to make sure the parent is getting the right child. You might also want to check that if you want more than one person in the delivery room that the hospital will allow that, mine will only allow one. Also check the rules for visitors. You can also check to see if your post partum room will be the same as labor and delivery room.
5. How many people can you have in the deliver room? What if it's a c-section, how many then? Camera/Video camera in delivery room? Can spouse sleep in room with me? Can baby stay in room 24/7? Can I breastfeed immediately after delivery? Hold baby right after delivery? When can I have an epi? Will the staff be supportive of a non-medicated delivery? Not push meds on me when I sa I don't want them.. Will the nursery give my baby formula if I am breastfeeding? A pacifier if I don't want them to? Can the baby stay in nursery overnight if I want her/him to? Is one easier to get to then the other...especially should you go into labor during rush hour? Is one of them closer to a children's hospital? The one we use has a major Children's Hosp right across the street. That's great that both hospitals have Level III NICU, that was one of my biggest factors in choosing because we've had to do NICU time 2 out of 3 deliveries.
6. Here's a list: What is your c-section rate and what would you consider grounds for one? What is available for a laboring woman? Birth ball/stool, walking, tub, shower? Is there a licensed lactation consultant available 24 hrs a day? Can my husband spend the nights/days with me in my room? Is there "rooming in" for my baby? That's all I can think of now. I hope you get lots of ideas